Therapeutic counseling in a Christian context can be highly effective when it maintains narrowly focused goals in a time-limited setting. The details of this proven model of pastoral counseling are described in this practical guide. This second edition of Strategic Pastoral Counseling has been thoroughly revised and includes two new chapters. Benner includes helpful case studies, a new appendix on contemporary ethical issues, and updated chapter bibliographies. His study will continue to serve clergy and students well as a valued practical handbook on pastoral care and counseling.

This groundbreaking book, now updated and expanded, furthers its original, effective, time-saving approach that benefits pastors overtaxed by counseling demands. Dr. Charles Kollar presents a departure in pastoral counseling, showing that counseling need not be long-term or depend on psychological manipulation to produce dramatic results. In most cases, the solution lies with the counselees themselves. Using the tested methods found in Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling, pastors, apart from counselors, will be well equipped to help their counselees discover a solution and put it in motion speedily and productively.SFPC is short-term—typically one to five sessions, in which the counselor seeks to create solutions with—not for—the counselee. The focus is on the possibility of life without the problem through an understanding of what is different when the problem does not occur or is less intrusive. The goal is healthy change, sooner rather than later, by helping the counselee see and work on the solution with God’s activity already present in his or her life.The solution-focused approach does not require the counselor to be a highly trained psychological expert. It requires biblically based sensitivity and common sense. Yet this approach also recognizes its limitations and understands that there are situations in which other professional and/or medical help is required.

Crisis Counseling is written for persons who seek to provide such assistance, whether as ministers or hotline volunteers or pastoral counselor.

"This volume offers authoritative, easy-to-find information that will assist anyone engaged in the study or practice of pastoral care and counseling." "The Dictionary contains more than 1,200 articles, prepared by experts in the field, covering virtually every topic related to pastoral care and counseling. This Expanded Edition includes seven new essays and an extensive bibliography, which bring the volume up to date. The resource is ecumenical in its vision, enlisting the participation of nearly 600 Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish contributors."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

An in-depth look at who pastoral caregivers are, what they do, and how and why they do it

Pastors are increasingly tempted to view themselves as high-powered CEOs. Wiersbe reminds them of the biblical model: shepherds to God's people. Practical and encouraging.

Christians tend to be wary of sharing their feelings. What helps is a supportive environment in which the person can share pain. Understanding Depression stresses the unique burden-bearing help a pastor/counselor can provide. The authors carefully guide the counselor to identify what can and cannot be accomplished in a short-term approach.

Introduces both clergy and laity to the ministry skills and personal qualities needed to provide effective care for people inside and outside the church...

Addresses the critique that pastoral care is indistinguishable from secular psychotherapy by placing a person's relationship to God at the center of pastoral care.

Grief, and the more debilitating emotional trauma, can result from any loss, whether the death of a loved one or a job layoff. The authors provide a broad overview of the grieving process, its defense mechanisms, and the debilitating form of trauma.